Hazards Associated with Demolition - Structural Instabilities

Recommendations Specific to Hazards Associated with Building Demolition - STRUCTURAL INSTABILITIES


Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices


As per OSHA


◾Conduct an engineering survey of the framing, floors, and walls of the structure and any adjacent structures that might be affected; maintain written survey results


◾ Shore/brace walls and floors as needed to maintain safe work areas during demolition activities


◾ Have a competent person continually inspect work area to detect hazards resulting from weakened or deteriorated floors, or walls, or loosened material. A competent person is able to recognize existing and predictable hazardous conditions and has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate the hazardous condition


◾ Do not allow falling debris/stored materials or heavy equipment to exceed the safe carrying capacity of the floor


◾ Conduct demolition work from the topmost floors down; do not cut/remove load-supporting members until upper or supported loads have been removed


For estimates, proposals, safety plans, work plans and more - contact Damon Kozul, PE, CHMM at damon@demolitionestimator.com

What are the serious most frequently cited demolition violations by OSHA

As per OSHA's website:


T-1 What are the serious most frequently cited demolition violations?

1. Not performing a written engineering survey of the structure before commencing demolition work [1926.850(a)].
2. Not providing fall protection for employees exposed to wall openings [1926.850(g)].
3. Not providing shoring or bracing for walls to prevent premature collapse [1926.850(b)].
4. Not properly inspecting and maintaining stairways and ladders in safe conditions for employee use [1926.851(b)].
5. Not properly testing and removing hazardous materials from within the structure before commencing demolition work [1926.850(e)]; and not providing sidewalk shed covers to protect employee entrances to structure [1926.850(h)].

EPA Brownfields 2013 Latest Information News and Program Updates

March 19 2013 - there are some new press releases and information posted on the USEPA Brownfields Program site.  A summary follows:

Fiscal Year 2013

• Evaluation of the National Brownfields Program
  • EPA recently conducted the first national program evaluation of the outcomes, efficiencies, and economic benefits produced by Brownfields grants. Over 8,000 Brownfield sites were evaluated to determine property milestones achieved and how funding was used at those properties. As a result of this evaluation, EPA's Brownfields Program has been able to make important programmatic changes to their grant and Revolving Loan Fund activities to improve future outcomes.
    Evaluation of the Brownfields Program, Part I and Part II
  • The final section of the evaluation was a rigorous analysis, using fixed-effect and quasi-experimental methods, estimating the causal effect of Brownfields cleanups on personal property values. Through this analysis it was determined that personal property values increased 5.1% - 12.8% near Brownfield sites when cleanup is completed. Part III of this evaluation can be found here:
    Estimating the Impacts of Brownfield Remediation on Housing Property Values

• FY 2013 Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant Application Guidelines - Request for Proposals
  EPA provides funds to nonprofit organizations and eligible entities to deliver environmental workforce development and job training programs focused on hazardous and solid waste management, assessment, and cleanup associated activities, chemical safety, and wastewater management. Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training (EWDJT) grants are provided to recruit, train, and place, unemployed and under-employed, including low-income and minority, residents historically affected by hazardous and solid waste sites and facilities with the skills needed to secure full-time, sustainable employment in the environmental field and in the assessment and cleanup work taking place in their communities. Proposals are due April 9,2013.
  • Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant Guidelines (PDF)
  • Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

• Technical Assistance to Brownfields Communities - New TAB Grants Announced
  The EPA recently selected a new round of TAB grantees. Building on their previous experience working with communities, and their extensive team of subgrantees, contractors, partners and other network contacts, three new TAB grantees, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Kansas State University (KSU), and the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR), will help communities tackle the challenge of assessing, cleaning up and preparing brownfields sites for redevelopment, especially underserved, rural, small, and otherwise distressed communities. Technical assistance being provided through these grants will help communities across the country move brownfields sites forward in the process toward cleanup and reuse. More information about the TAB grantee providing technical assistance in your area can be found at the following link - http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/tools/index.htm


• FY2013 Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Grant Guidelines – Request for Proposals
  These grants may be used by communities to facilitate community involvement in developing an area-wide plan for brownfields assessment, cleanup and subsequent reuse on a catalyst site and other high-priority brownfield sites. Each grant is funded up to $200,000 for two years. The proposal submission deadline is November 30, 2012.
  • FY2013 Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Grant Guidelines (PDF)
  • Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Please contact Three D Enterprises, LLC should you need any assistance in devloping a cost estimate to demolish a building or facility as part of a Brownfields Redevelopment Program

Damon Kozul, PE, CHMM  dkozul@scrapmetalprices.biz